Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and unsettling experience. The situation becomes even more complicated when the person who hit you does not have insurance.
In such cases, understanding your options and taking appropriate actions is crucial.
Contact the authorities
After an accident, you should always contact the police immediately. They will assess the situation, gather information from both parties involved and create an official report.
Exchange information
Even if the other driver lacks insurance, you should still exchange information. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers and license plate numbers. Having this information is helpful for any future claims or legal actions.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Your policy might include uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your expenses in the absence of the other driver’s insurance. Be prepared to provide all the information you collected at the scene.
Seek medical attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to ensure your well-being.
Be prepared for financial responsibility
In cases involving uninsured motorists, you may be responsible for covering your medical bills and repair costs. Depending on your insurance policy and state laws, your insurer may help, but there could still be expenses you need to manage.
The most recent study from the Insurance Information Institute found that 8.8% of Vermont drivers lack auto insurance. While this is a small minority of the population, it is large enough to give anyone a reason to believe that they might have an accident with an uninsured driver.